Analogues for the treatment or prevention of flavivirus infections

ABSTRACT

Compounds represented by formula (I) 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A, B, B′, X, Y, R 1 , R 2 , R 2 ′, R 3 , R 3 ′, R 4 , R 4 ′, R 5 , R 5 ′, m, n, or p are as defined herein, are useful for treating flaviviridae viral infections.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of PCT application number PCT/US2011/029837, filed Mar. 24, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/316,991, filed Mar. 24, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to novel compounds and a method for the treatment or prevention of Flavivirus infections using novel compounds.

Hepatitis is a disease occurring throughout the world. It is generally of viral nature, although there are other causes known. Viral hepatitis is by far the most common form of hepatitis. Nearly 750,000 Americans are affected by hepatitis each year, and out of those, more than 150,000 are infected with the hepatitis C virus (“HCV”).

HCV is a positive-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family and has close relationship to the pestiviruses that include hog cholera virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). HCV is believed to replicate through the production of a complementary negative-strand RNA template. Due to the lack of efficient culture replication system for the virus, HCV particles were isolated from pooled human plasma and shown, by electron microscopy, to have a diameter of about 50-60 nm. The HCV genome is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA of about 9,600 bp coding for a polyprotein of 3009-3030 amino-acids, which is cleaved co- and post-translationally into mature viral proteins (core, E1, E2, p7, NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, NS5B). It is believed that the structural glycoproteins, E1 and E2, are embedded into a viral lipid envelope and form stable heterodimers. It is also believed that the structural core protein interacts with the viral RNA genome to form the nucleocapsid. The nonstructural proteins designated NS2 to NS5 include proteins with enzymatic functions involved in virus replication and protein processing including a polymerase, protease and helicase.

The main source of contamination with HCV is blood. The magnitude of the HCV infection as a health problem is illustrated by the prevalence among high-risk groups. For example, 60% to 90% of hemophiliacs and more than 80% of intravenous drug abusers in western countries are chronically infected with HCV. For intravenous drug abusers, the prevalence varies from about 28% to 70% depending on the population studied. The proportion of new HCV infections associated with post-transfusion has been markedly reduced lately due to advances in diagnostic tools used to screen blood donors.

Combination of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is the treatment of choice for chronic HCV infection. This treatment does not provide sustained viral response (SVR) in a majority of patients infected with the most prevalent genotype (1a and 1b). Furthermore, significant side effects prevent compliance to the current regimen and may require dose reduction or discontinuation in some patients.

There is therefore a great need for the development of anti-viral agents for use in treating or preventing Flavivirus infections.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (I):

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein     -   each A is independently C₆₋₁₄ aryl, 4-12 membered heterocycle,         C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl;     -   B and B′ are each independently absent, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆         alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl;     -   C and C′ are each independently a 4-7 membered heterocycle;     -   D is a 5,6 membered heterocyclic ring comprising at least one         nitrogen atom in the five membered ring, wherein the point of         attachment to B is on the six membered ring, wherein D is not         benzimidazole;     -   R₁ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a),         —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a),         —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a),         —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b),         —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆         alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times         by R¹⁰, or any two occurrences of R₁ can be taken together with         the atoms to which they are attached to form a 5-7 cycloalkyl         which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹         or a 5-7 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹²;     -   R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂         alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered         heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered         heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl;     -   R_(2′) is halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl,         —(CH₂)₁₋₆ OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered         heteroaryl;     -   Each R₂ is independently halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated         alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl,         5-12 membered heterocycle, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl;     -   R₃ and R₃′ are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH,         C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl;     -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆ OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated         alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two         occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which         they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted         or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, a 3-7 cycloalkyl which         is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹ or a         4-7 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted         one or more times by R¹²; wherein two occurrence of R₄′ can be         taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form         a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more         times by R¹⁰, a 3-7 cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹¹ or a 4-7 membered         heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more         times by R¹²;     -   X and Y are each independently

-   -    or a bond;     -   wherein the asterisk (*) indicates the point of attachment to         the nitrogen of ring C or C′;     -   R₅ and R₅′ are each independently H, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₁₂         alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times         by R¹⁰, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one         or more times by R¹⁰, C₆₋₁₄ aryl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹¹, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-12         membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or         more times by R¹¹, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-12         membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one         or more times by R¹², or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl which         is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²;     -   R₆ is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, or halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl;     -   m, and n, are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   q is 0, 1 or 2;     -   u is 0 or 1;     -   s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c),         —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a),         —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a),         —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a),         —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl,         nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b);     -   R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a),         —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a),         —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a),         —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or         —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl,         C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18         membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18         membered heterocycle-alkyl; and     -   R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c),         —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a),         —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a),         —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a),         —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl,         nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b),         C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆         aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl,         3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, composition or combination of the invention.

In another aspect, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the invention and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

In another aspect, there is provided a combination comprising a compound of the invention and one or more additional agents chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agent, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

In a further aspect, there is provided the use of a compound, composition or combination of the invention for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a human.

In still another aspect, there is provided the use of a compound, composition or combination of the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a viral Flaviviridae infection in a human.

In one embodiment, compounds of the present invention comprise those wherein the following embodiments are present, either independently or in combination.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention are represented by formula (IA):

wherein each of A, R₁, p, q, B, B′, R₂, R_(2′), s, u, R₃, R_(3′), C, R₄, R_(4′), m, n, X, Y, R₅, R_(5′) are as defined for formula (I), and

-   -   X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—,     -   each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—; and     -   v is 0 or 1.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention are represented by formula (II):

wherein each of A, R₁, p, q, B, B′, D, R₂, R_(2′), s, u, R₃, R_(3′), C, R₄, R_(4′), m, n, X, Y, R₅, R_(5′) are as defined for formula (I).

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention are represented by formula (IIIA) or (IIIB):

wherein each of A, R₁, p, q, B, B′, D, R₂, R_(2′), s, u, R₃, R_(3′), C, R₄, R_(4′), m, n, X, Y, R₅, R_(5′) are as defined for formula (I).

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention are represented by formula (IV) or (V):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein each of A, R₁, p, q, B, B′, R₂, R_(2′), s, u, R₃, R_(3′), C, R₄, and R_(4′) are as defined for formula (I); and

-   -   X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—,     -   each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   v is 0 or 1;

R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²;

R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; and

m and n combined are 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Each of the further embodiments disclosed herein apply to any of formula (I), (IA), (II), (IIIA), (IIIB), (IV), (V), (VIA), (VIB), VITA), and/or (VIIB) in which the variable appears.

According to a further embodiment, A is phenyl, thiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, pyridine, pyrimidine, naphthyl, benzo[1,3]dioxole, benzooxazole, or triazole

According to a further embodiment, A is phenyl, thiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, naphtyl, benzo[1,3]dioxole, or benzooxazole.

According to a further embodiment, A is phenyl, thiophene, pyridine, pyrimidine, or triazole.

According to a further embodiment, A is phenyl or thieno[3,2-b]thiophene.

According to a further embodiment, A is phenyl or thiophene.

According to a further embodiment, A is

According to a further embodiment, A is

According to a further embodiment, A is

According to a further embodiment, A is

According to a further embodiment, A is a bond.

According to a further embodiment, B and B′ are each independently C₂₋₆ alkynyl or C₁₋₆ alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, B and B′ are each independently —(C≡C)— or —(CH₂)₂—.

According to a further embodiment, B and B′ are each —(CH₂)₂—.

According to a further embodiment, B and B′ are each —(C≡C)—.

According to a further embodiment,

is selected from the group consisting of:

According to a further embodiment,

is selected from the group consisting of:

According to a further embodiment,

is selected from the group consisting of:

According to a further embodiment,

is:

According to a further embodiment,

is:

According to a further embodiment,

is:

According to a further embodiment,

is:

According to a further embodiment, m or n is 2.

According to a further embodiment, m or n is 1.

According to a further embodiment, m and n, are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, provided that at least one of m and n is 1.

According to a further embodiment, m and n are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 and m and n combined are 1, 2, 3 or 4.

According to a further embodiment, p is 2.

According to a further embodiment, p is 1.

According to a further embodiment, X and Y are each

According to a further embodiment, X and Y are each

-   -   wherein the bond marked with an asterisk (*) indicates the         attachment to the nitrogen of ring C or C′.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰; wherein two occurrence of R₄′ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, di-fluoromethyl, di-fluoroethyl, trifluoromethyl, tri-fluoroethyl, —CH₂OH, —NR_(a)N_(b), t-butoxy-, or hydroxyl; or two R₄ groups together with the atoms to which they are attached form

or two R₄′ groups together with the atoms to which they are attached form

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxyl, phenyl, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each independently methyl, ethyl, methoxy, di-fluoromethyl, or trifluoromethyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each independently H, halogen, methyl, ethyl, t-butoxy-, or hydroxyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each H.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each fluoro.

According to a further embodiment, R₄ and R₄′ are each methyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₃ and R₃′ are each H.

According to a further embodiment, R₁ is H, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), -hydroxyl, nitro, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃ R_(a), C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, or C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₁ is halogen, C₁₋₃ alkyl, hydroxyl, cyano, or C₁₋₃ alkoxy.

According to a further embodiment, R₁ is chloro, fluoro, methyl, hydroxyl, cyano, or methoxy.

According to a further embodiment, R₁ is methyl

According to a further embodiment, R₁ is H.

According to a further embodiment, R₂ and R₂′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₃OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₂ and R₂′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₃OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, phenyl, or 5-6 membered heteroaryl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₂ and R₂′ are each methyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₂ and R₂′ are each iodo.

According to a further embodiment, R₂ and R₂′ are each H.

According to a further embodiment, R₆ is H or C₁₋₃ alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, C₇₋₈ aralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹².

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 6-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹².

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₁₂ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, 2-methylbutane, 3-methylbutane, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cyclohexyl(CH₂)—, which in each case is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, 2-methylbutane, 3-methylbutane, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cyclohexyl(CH₂)—.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently isopropyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently isopropyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by —OCH₃.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each isopropyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each H or tea-butyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹.

According to a further embodiment, R₅ and R₅′ are each independently benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is —NR_(a)R_(b) or —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a) and R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a), R_(b), are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, cyano, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, or cyano, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is halogen, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, hydroxyl, or NH₂.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is halogen, hydroxyl, or NH₂.

According to a further embodiment, R¹⁰ is halogen.

According to a further embodiment, R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, cyano, —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, or C₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹¹ is halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, or NH₂.

According to a further embodiment, R¹¹ is halogen.

According to a further embodiment, R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, cyano, —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, or C₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R¹² is halogen.

According to a further embodiment, R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R_(a) and R_(c) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, and R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H or C₁₋₃ alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R_(a) and R_(c) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, and R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H or C₁₋₃ alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H or C₁₋₃ alkyl.

-   In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of the     present invention are represented by formula (IV):

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), or —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b) or —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ in formula (IV) are each independently —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenyl, tetrahydrofuran, or benzyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ in formula (IV) are each independently —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a) is C₁₋₆ alkyl and R_(b) is H or methyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ in formula (IV) are each independently —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a) is C₁₋₆ alkyl and R_(b) is H.

According to a further embodiment, R₈ and R₈′ in formula (IV) are each independently —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a) is methyl and R_(b) is H.

According to a further embodiment, R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-6 membered heterocycle, or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl;

According to a further embodiment, R₇ and R₇′ are each independently phenyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₆ alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₇ and R₇′ are each independently methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tea-butyl, pentyl, 2-methylbutane, 3-methylbutane, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl.

According to a further embodiment, R₇ and R₇′ are each isopropyl.

According to a further embodiment, as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₂ each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, —OR_(a′)—NR_(a′)R_(b′), C(═O)OR_(a′), —C(O)NR_(a′)R_(b′), —C(═O)OH, hydroxyl, nitro, azido, or cyano, wherein R_(a′)-R_(d′) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl.

According to a further embodiment, as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₂ each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one time by halogen.

According to a further embodiment, as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₂ each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one time by fluoro.

In accordance with the present invention, the compounds are selected from compounds as defined in the formulas wherein:

-   A is C₆₋₁₄ aryl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, or a bond; -   B and B′ are each independently —(C≡C)— or —(CH₂)₂—; -   R₁ is H, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a),     —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), hydroxyl, nitro,     cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, or     C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl; -   R₂ and R₂′ are each independently H, methyl, or iodo; -   m and n are each independently 0, 1 or 2; -   p is 0, 1 or 2; -   R₃ and R₃′ are H; -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxyl,     phenyl, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; -   X and Y are

-   R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₁₂ alkyl which is unsubstituted     or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

In accordance with the present invention, the compounds are selected from compounds as defined in the formulas wherein:

-   A is C₆₋₁₄ aryl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, or a bond; -   B and B′ are each independently —(C≡C)— or —(CH₂)₂—; -   R₁ is H or methyl; -   R₂ and R₂′ are each independently H, methyl or iodo; -   m and n are each independently 0, 1 or 2; -   p is 0, 1 or 2; -   R₃ and R₃′ are H; -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxyl,     phenyl, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; -   X and Y are

-   R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₁₂ alkyl which is unsubstituted     or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

In accordance with the present invention, the compounds are selected from compounds as defined in the formulas wherein:

-   A is phenyl, thiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, pyridine,     pyrimidine, naphthyl, benzo[1,3]dioxole, benzooxazole, or triazole; -   B and B′ are each independently —(C≡C)— or —(CH₂)₂—; -   R₁ is H or methyl; -   R₂ and R₂′ are each independently H, methyl or iodo; -   m and n are each independently 0, 1 or 2; -   p is 0, 1 or 2; -   R₃ and R₃′ are H; -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxyl,     phenyl, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; -   X and Y are

-   R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₁₂ alkyl which is unsubstituted     or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

In accordance with the present invention, the compounds are selected from compounds as defined in the formulas wherein:

-   A is phenyl, thiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, naphthyl,     benzo[1,3]dioxole, or benzooxazole; -   B and B′ are each independently —(C≡C)— or —(CH₂)₂—; -   R₁ is H, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a),     —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), hydroxyl, nitro,     cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, or     C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl; -   R₂ and R₂′ are each independently H, methyl or iodo; -   m and n are each independently 0, 1 or 2; -   p is 0, 1 or 2; -   R₃ and R₃′ are H; -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently H, halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxyl,     phenyl, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; -   X and Y are each

-   R₅ and R₅′ are each independently C₁₋₁₂ alkyl which is unsubstituted     or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰; -   R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted     or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is     unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl     which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰,     phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by     R¹¹, benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times     by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or     substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl     which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6     membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or     more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is     unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²; and -   R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b),     —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a),     —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a),     —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H,     C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆     aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12     membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are represented by formula (VIA):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein

-   -   X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—;     -   each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   v is 0 or 1;     -   R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂         alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered         heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered         heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl;     -   R₂′ is halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl,         —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered         heteroaryl;     -   each R₂ is independently halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated         alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl,         5-12 membered heterocycle, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl;     -   R₃ and R₃′ are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH,         C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl;     -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated         alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two         occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which         they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted         or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰; wherein two occurrence         of R₄′ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are         attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹⁰;     -   u is 0 or 1;     -   s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈         alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times         by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one         or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6         membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or         more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6         membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one         or more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²;     -   R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a),         —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a),         —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d)         are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂         alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl,         6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18         membered heterocycle-alkyl;     -   R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c),         —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a),         —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a),         —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a),         —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl,         nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b);     -   R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a),         —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a),         —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a),         —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or         —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl,         C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18         membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18         membered heterocycle-alkyl; and     -   m and n are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 and m and n         combined are 1, 2, 3 or 4.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of formula (VIA) are represented by formula (VIB):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein

-   -   m and n are each independently 0 or 1 and m and n combined are 1         or 2.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are represented by formula (VIIA):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein

-   -   X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—;     -   each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—;     -   v is 0 or 1;     -   R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂         alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered         heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered         heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl;     -   R_(2′) is halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl,         —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered         heteroaryl;     -   each R₂ is independently halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated         alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl,         5-12 membered heterocycle, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl;     -   R₃ and R₃′ are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH,         C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl;     -   R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated         alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two         occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which         they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted         or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰; wherein two occurrence         of R₄′ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are         attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹⁰;     -   u is 0 or 1;     -   s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈         alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times         by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one         or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or         substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6         membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or         more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6         membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one         or more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is         unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²;     -   R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a),         —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a),         —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d)         are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂         alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl,         6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18         membered heterocycle-alkyl;

R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b);

-   -   R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a),         —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a),         —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b),         —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a),         —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a),         —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or         —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl,         C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18         membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18         membered heterocycle-alkyl; and     -   m and n are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 and m and n         combined are 1, 2, 3 or 4.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the compounds of formula (VIIA) are represented by formula (VIIB):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein

-   -   m and n are each independently 0 or 1 and m and n combined are 1         or 2.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), R₃ and R₃′ are each H.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), s and u are 0.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), R₄ and R₄′ are each methyl.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), m and n are 1.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB),

is:

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VITA), or (VIIB), R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, phenyl, tetrahydrofuran, or benzyl.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), R₇ and R₇′ are each independently phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), R₇ and R₇′ are each independently, C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), R₇ and R₇′ are each independently methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, methoxyisopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, 2-methylbutane, 3-methylbutane, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the compounds of formula formula (VIA), (VIB), (VIIA), or (VIIB), wherein R₇ and R₉ or R₇′ and R₈′ together with the carbon to which they are attached are each independently:

In some embodiments, the compounds of this invention are represented in Table 1. In certain embodiments, the variables used herein are as defined in the specific embodiments as shown in Table 1.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R₁ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰;

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention, herein as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, —OR_(a′), oxo, —NR_(a′)R_(b′), ═NO—R_(c′), —C(═O)OR_(a)′, —C(O)NR_(a′)R_(b′), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a′), —C(═NOR_(c′))R_(a′), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a′)R_(b′), —NR_(d′)C(═O)NR_(a′)R_(b′), —NR_(b′)C(═O)R_(a′), —NR_(d′)C(═NR_(c′))NR_(a′)R_(b′), —NR_(b′)C(═O)OR_(a′), —OC(═O)NR_(a′)R_(b′), —OC(═O)R_(a′), —OC(═O)OR_(a′), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a′), —SO₂NR_(a′)R_(b′), —NR_(b′)SO₂R_(a′); wherein R_(a)′-R_(d′) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention p is 0, 1 or 2.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention p is 0 or

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention p is 0.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention p is 2.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R₄ and R₄′ are H.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R₁ is halogen, C₁₋₃ alkyl, hydroxyl, cyano, or C₁₋₃ alkoxy.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R₁ is chloro, fluoro, methyl, hydroxyl, cyano, or methoxy.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention n R₁ is H.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, cyano, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, cyano, —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, cyano, —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, phenyl, C₇₋₈ aralkyl, 5-6 membered heteroaryl, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl, 5-6 membered heterocycle, or 6-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a), R_(b), and R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(b) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention wherein as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₂ each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by halogen, —OR_(a′) —NR_(a′)R_(b′), C(═O)OR_(a′), —C(O)NR_(a′)R_(b′), —C(═O)OH, hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano; wherein R_(a′)-R_(d′) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention wherein as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one time by halogen.

In one embodiment in the compounds of the present invention wherein as valency allows in B, B′, R_(a)-R_(d), R₁, R₂, R₂′, R₃, R₃′, R₄, R₄′, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R₁₂ each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle-alkyl is independently unsubstituted or substituted one time by fluoro.

The use of a compound of the present invention for treating an Hepatitis C viral infection in a human. The use of a compound of the present invention further comprising administering at least one additional agent. The use of a compound of the present invention wherein said at least one additional agent is selected from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agents, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

The use of a compound of the present invention, wherein said at least one additional agent is selected from ribavirin and interferon-α.

The use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament.

A pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one compound of the present invention and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

The use of a compound of the present invention for treating an Hepatitis C viral infection in a human. The use of a compound of the present invention further comprising administering at least one additional agent. The use of a compound of the present invention wherein said at least one additional agent is selected from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agents, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES). The use of a compound of the present invention wherein said at least one additional agent is selected from ribavirin and interferon-α.

The use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament.

A pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one compound of the present invention and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

According to an aspect of the invention, the compounds of the invention are selected from Table 1

TABLE 1 Compound #

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention is one or more of the compounds of Table 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound according to the invention described herein for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to the invention described herein and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to the invention described herein and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to the invention described herein, and further comprising administering at least one additional agent chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agents, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

In another embodiment, there is provided a combination comprising a least one compound according to the invention described herein and one or more additional agents.

In another embodiment, there is provided a combination comprising a least one compound according to the invention described herein and one or more additional agents chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agent, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

In one combination embodiment, the compound and additional agent are administered sequentially.

In another combination embodiment, the compound and additional agent are administered simultaneously.

The combinations referred to above may conveniently be presented for use in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation and thus pharmaceutical formulations comprising a combination as defined above together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore comprise a further aspect of the invention.

The additional agents for the compositions and combinations include, for example, ribavirin, amantadine, merimepodib, Levovirin, Viramidine, and maxamine.

The term “viral serine protease inhibitor” as used herein means an agent that is effective to inhibit the function of the viral serine protease including HCV serine protease in a mammal. Inhibitors of HCV serine protease include, for example, those compounds described in WO 99/07733 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 99/07734 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 00/09558 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 00/09543 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 00/59929 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 02/060926 (BMS), WO 2006039488 (Vertex), WO 2005077969 (Vertex), WO 2005035525 (Vertex), WO 2005028502 (Vertex) WO 2005007681 (Vertex), WO 2004092162 (Vertex), WO 2004092161 (Vertex), WO 2003035060 (Vertex), of WO 03/087092 (Vertex), WO 02/18369 (Vertex), or WO98/17679 (Vertex).

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to the invention described herein, and further comprising one or more additional agents chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agent, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

In another embodiment, there is provided a combination therapy of at least one compound according to the invention described herein in combination with one or more additional agents chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agent, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

The additional agents for the compositions and combinations include, for example, ribavirin, amantadine, merimepodib, Levovirin, Viramidine, and maxamine.

In one combination embodiment, the compound and additional agent are administered sequentially.

In another combination embodiment, the compound and additional agent are administered simultaneously. The combinations referred to above may conveniently be presented for use in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation and thus pharmaceutical formulations comprising a combination as defined above together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore comprise a further aspect of the invention.

The term “viral serine protease inhibitor” as used herein means an agent that is effective to inhibit the function of the viral serine protease including HCV serine protease in a mammal. Inhibitors of HCV serine protease include, for example, those compounds described in WO 99/07733 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 99/07734 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 00/09558 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 00/09543 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 00/59929 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 02/060926 (BMS), WO 2006039488 (Vertex), WO 2005077969 (Vertex), WO 2005035525 (Vertex), WO 2005028502 (Vertex) WO 2005007681 (Vertex), WO 2004092162 (Vertex), WO 2004092161 (Vertex), WO 2003035060 (Vertex), of WO 03/087092 (Vertex), WO 02/18369 (Vertex), or WO98/17679 (Vertex).

Specific examples of viral serine protease inhibitors include Telaprevir (VX-950, Vertex), VX-500 (Vertex), TMC435350 (Tibotec/Medivir), MK-7009 (Merck), ITMN-191 (R7227, InterMune/Roche) and Boceprevir (SCH503034, Schering).

The term “viral polymerase inhibitors” as used herein means an agent that is effective to inhibit the function of a viral polymerase including an HCV polymerase in a mammal. Inhibitors of HCV polymerase include non-nucleosides, for example, those compounds described in:

WO 03/010140 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 03/026587 (Bristol Myers Squibb); WO 02/100846 A1, WO 02/100851 A2, WO 01/85172 A1 (GSK), WO 02/098424 A1 (GSK), WO 00/06529 (Merck), WO 02/06246 A1 (Merck), WO 01/47883 (Japan Tobacco), WO 03/000254 (Japan Tobacco) and EP 1 256 628 A2 (Agouron).

Furthermore other inhibitors of HCV polymerase also include nucleoside analogs, for example, those compounds described in: WO 01/90121 A2 (Idenix), WO 02/069903 A2 (Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.), and WO 02/057287 A2(Merck/Isis) and WO 02/057425 A2 (Merck/Isis).

Specific examples of inhibitors of an HCV polymerase, include VCH-759 (ViroChem Pharma), VCH-916 (ViroChem Pharma), VCH-222 (ViroChem Pharma), R1626 (Roche), R7128 (Roche/Pharmasset), PF-868554 (Pfizer), MK-0608 (Merck/Isis), MK-3281 (Merck), A-837093 (Abbott), GS 9190 (Gilead), ana598 (Anadys), HCV-796 (Viropharma) and GSK625433 (GlaxoSmithKline), R1479 (Roche), MK-0608 (Merck), R1656, (Roche-Pharmasset) and Valopicitabine (Idenix). Specific examples of inhibitors of an HCV polymerase, include JTK-002/003 and JTK-109 (Japan Tobacco), HCV-796 (Viropharma), GS-9190(Gilead), and PF-868,554 (Pfizer).

The term “viral helicase inhibitors” as used herein means an agent that is effective to inhibit the function of a viral helicase including a Flaviviridae helicase in a mammal.

“Immunomodulatory agent” as used herein means those agents that are effective to enhance or potentiate the immune system response in a mammal. Immunomodulatory agents include, for example, class I interferons (such as α-, β-, δ- and Ω-interferons, τ-interferons, consensus interferons and asialo-interferons), class II interferons (such as γ-interferons) and pegylated interferons.

Specific examples of Immunomodulatory agent as used herein include IL-29 (PEG-Interferon Lambda, ZymoGenetics), Belerofon (Nautilus Biotech) injectable or oral, Oral Interferon alpha (Amarillo Biosciences), BLX-883 (Locteron, Biolex Therapeutics/Octoplus), Omega Interferon (Intarcia Therapeutics), multiferon (Viragen), Albuferon (Human Genome Sciences), consensus Interferon (Infergen, Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals), Medusa Interferon (Flamel Technologies), NOV-205 (Novelos Therapeutics), Oglufanide disodium (Implicit Bioscience), SCV-07 (SciClone), Zadaxin® (thymalfasin, SciClone/Sigma-Tau), AB68 (XTL bio) and Civacir (NABI).

The term “viral polymerase inhibitors” as used herein means an agent that is effective to inhibit the function of a viral polymerase including an HCV polymerase in a mammal. Inhibitors of HCV polymerase include non-nucleosides, for example, those compounds described in: WO 03/010140 (Boehringer Ingelheim), WO 03/026587 (Bristol Myers Squibb); WO 02/100846 A1, WO 02/100851 A2, WO 01/85172 A1 (GSK), WO 02/098424 A1 (GSK), WO 00/06529 (Merck), WO 02/06246 A1 (Merck), WO 01/47883 (Japan Tobacco), WO 03/000254 (Japan Tobacco) and EP 1 256 628 A2 (Agouron).

Furthermore other inhibitors of HCV polymerase also include nucleoside analogs, for example, those compounds described in: WO 01/90121 A2 (Idenix), WO 02/069903 A2 (Biocryst Pharmaceuticals Inc.), and WO 02/057287 A2 (Merck/Isis) and WO 02/057425 A2 (Merck/lsis).

Specific examples of nucleoside inhibitors of an HCV polymerase, include R1626/R1479 (Roche), R7128 (Roche), MK-0608 (Merck), R1656, (Roche-Pharmasset) and Valopicitabine (Idenix). Specific examples of inhibitors of an HCV polymerase, include JTK-002/003 and JTK-109 (Japan Tobacco), HCV-796 (Viropharma), GS-9190(Gilead), and PF-868,554 (Pfizer).

The term “viral helicase inhibitors” as used herein means an agent that is effective to inhibit the function of a viral helicase including a Flaviviridae helicase in a mammal.

“Immunomodulatory agent” as used herein means those agents that are effective to enhance or potentiate the immune system response in a mammal. Immunomodulatory agents include, for example, class I interferons (such as alpha-, beta-, delta- and omega-interferons, x-interferons, consensus interferons and asialo-interferons), class II interferons (such as gamma-interferons) and pegylated interferons.

Exemplary immunomudulating agents, include, but are not limited to: thalidomide, IL-2, hematopoietins, IMPDH inhibitors, for example Merimepodib (Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.), interferon, including natural interferon (such as OMNIFERON, Viragen and SUMIFERON, Sumitomo, a blend of natural interferon's), natural interferon alpha (ALFERON, Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc.), interferon alpha n1 from lymphblastoid cells (WELLFERON, Glaxo Wellcome), oral alpha interferon, Peg-interferon, Peg-interferon alfa 2a (PEGASYS, Roche), recombinant interferon alpha 2a (ROFERON, Roche), inhaled interferon alpha 2b (AERX, Aradigm), Peg-interferon alpha 2b (ALBUFERON, Human Genome Sciences/Novartis, PEGINTRON, Schering), recombinant interferon alfa 2b (INTRON A, Schering), pegylated interferon alfa 2b (PEG-INTRON, Schering, VIRAFERONPEG, Schering), interferon beta-1a (REBIF, Serono, Inc. and Pfizer), consensus interferon alpha (INFERGEN, Valeant Pharmaceutical), interferon gamma-1b (ACTIMMUNE, Intermune, Inc.), un-pegylated interferon alpha, alpha interferon, and its analogs, and synthetic thymosin alpha 1 (ZADAXIN, SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc.).

The term “class I interferon” as used herein means an interferon selected from a group of interferons that all bind to receptor type 1. This includes both naturally and synthetically produced class I interferons. Examples of class I interferons include α-, β-, δ- and Ω-interferons, τ-interferons, consensus interferons and asialo-interferons. The term “class II interferon” as used herein means an interferon selected from a group of interferons that all bind to receptor type II. Examples of class II interferons include γ-interferons.

Antisense agents include, for example, ISIS-14803.

Specific examples of inhibitors of HCV NS3 protease, include BILN-2061 (Boehringer Ingelheim) SCH-6 and SCH-503034/Boceprevir (Schering-Plough), VX-950/telaprevir (Vertex) and ITMN-B (InterMune), GS9132 (Gilead), TMC-435350(Tibotec/Medivir), ITMN-191 (InterMune), MK-7009 (Merck).

Inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) include ISIS-14803 (ISIS Pharmaceuticals) and those compounds described in WO 2006019831 (PTC therapeutics).

In one embodiment, the additional agent is interferon α, ribavirin, silybum marianum, interleukine-12, amantadine, ribozyme, thymosin, N-acetyl cysteine or cyclosporin.

In one embodiment, the additional agent is interferon α, or ribavirin, silybum marianum, interleukine-12, amantadine, ribozyme, thymosin, N-acetyl cysteine or cyclosporin.

In one embodiment, the additional agent is interferon α 1A, interferon α 1B, interferon α 2A, or interferon α 2B.

Interferon is available in pegylated and non pegylated forms. Pegylated interferons include PEGASYS™ and Peg-Intron™.

The recommended dose of PEGASYS™ monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C is 180 mg (1.0 mL vial or 0.5 mL prefilled syringe) once weekly for 48 weeks by subcutaneous administration in the abdomen or thigh.

The recommended dose of PEGASYS™ when used in combination with ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C is 180 mg (1.0 mL vial or 0.5 mL prefilled syringe) once weekly.

The recommended dose of PEG-Intron™ regimen is 1.0 mg/kg/week subcutaneously for one year. The dose should be administered on the same day of the week.

When administered in combination with ribavirin, the recommended dose of PEG-Intron is 1.5 micrograms/kg/week.

Ribavirin is typically administered orally, and tablet forms of ribavirin are currently commercially available. General standard, daily dose of ribavirin tablets (e.g., about 200 mg tablets) is about 800 mg to about 1200 mg. For example, ribavirn tablets are administered at about 1000 mg for subjects weighing less than 75 kg, or at about 1200 mg for subjects weighing more than or equal to 75 kg. Nevertheless, nothing herein limits the methods or combinations of this invention to any specific dosage forms or regime. Typically, ribavirin can be dosed according to the dosage regimens described in its commercial product labels.

In one embodiment, the additional agent is interferon α 1A, interferon α 1B, interferon α 2A (Roferon), PEG-interferon α 2A (Pegasys), interferon α 2B (Intron A) or PEG-interferon α 2B (Peg-Intron).

In one embodiment, the additional agent is standard or pegylated interferon α (Roferon, Pegasys, Intron A, Peg-Intron) in combination with ribavirin.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to the invention described herein, one or more additional agents select from non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., HCV-796), nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., R7128, R1626/R1479), HCV NS3 protease inhibitors (e.g., VX-950/telaprevir and ITMN-191), interferon and ribavirin, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

The combinations referred to above may conveniently be presented for use in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation and thus pharmaceutical formulations comprising a combination as defined above together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore comprise a further aspect of the invention. The individual components for use in the method of the present invention or combinations of the present invention may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations.

In a further embodiment, the composition or combination according to the invention further comprises at least one compound according to the invention described herein; one or more additional agents select from non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., HCV-796), nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., R7128, R1626/R1479), and HCV NS3 protease inhibitors (e.g., VX-950/telaprevir and ITMN-191); and interferon and/or ribavirin.

In one embodiment, the additional agent is interferon α 1A, interferon α 1B, interferon α 2A, or interferon α 2B, and optionally ribavirin.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing a HCV viral infection in a host comprising administering to the host a combined therapeutically effective amounts of at least one compound according to the invention described herein, and one or more additional agents select from non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., HCV-796), nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., R7128, R1626/R1479), HCV NS3 protease inhibitors (e.g., VX-950/telaprevir and ITMN-191), interferon and ribavirin.

In one combination embodiment, the compound and additional agent are administered sequentially.

In another combination embodiment, the compound and additional agent are administered simultaneously.

In one embodiment, there is provided a method for inhibiting or reducing the activity of HCV viral polymerase in a host comprising administering to the host a combined therapeutically effective amounts of at least one compound of the invention, and one or more additional agents select from non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., HCV-796) and nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., R7128, R1626/R1479), interferon and ribavirin.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the use of at least one compound of the invention, in combination with the use of one or more additional agents select from non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., HCV-796), nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., R7128, R1626/R1479), HCV NS3 protease inhibitors (e.g., VX-950/telaprevir and ITMN-191), interferon and ribavirin, for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a HCV infection in a host.

When the compounds of the invention described herein are used in combination with at least one second therapeutic agent active against the same virus, the dose of each compound may be either the same as or differ from that when the compound is used alone. Appropriate doses will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The ratio of the amount of a compound according to the invention described herein administered relative to the amount of the additional agent (non-nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., HCV-796), nucleoside HCV polymerase inhibitors (e.g., R7128, R1626/R1479), HCV NS3 protease inhibitors (e.g., VX-950/telaprevir and ITMN-191), interferon or ribavirin) will vary dependent on the selection of the compound and additional agent.

In one embodiment, the additional agent is chosen from A-831 (AZD0530, Arrow Therapeutics acquired by AstraZeneca), TLR9 agonist: IMO-2125 (Idera Pharmaceuticals), PYN17 (Phynova), Vavituximab (Tarvacin, Peregrine), DEBIO-025 (DEBIO), NIM-811 (Novartis), SCY635 (Scynexis), PF-03491390 (IDN-6556, Pfizer), Suvus (formerly BIVN-401, Virostat, Bioenvision), MX-3253 (Celgosivir, Migenix), Viramidine (Taribavirin, Valeant Pharmaceuticals), Hepaconda (Giaconda), TT033 (Benitec/Tacere Bio/Pfizer), SIRNA-034 (Sirna Therapeutics acquired by Merck) and EHC-18 (Enzo Biochem), ACH-1095 (Achillion/Gilead), JKB-022 (Jenkin), CTS-1027 (Conatus), MitoQ (mitoquinone, Antipodean Pharmaceuticals), Alinia (nitazoxanide, Romark Laboratories) and Bavituximab (Peregrine Pharm).

In one embodiment, the additional agent is a therapeutic vaccine chosen from CSL123 (Chiron/CSL), IC41 (Intercell Novartis), GI 5005 (Globeimmune), TG4040 (Transgene), Chronvac C (Tripep/Inovio), GNI-103 (GENimmune), HCV/MF59 (Chiron/Novartis), PeviPRO™ (Pevion biotect).

The recommended dose of PEGASYS™ monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C is 180 mg (1.0 mL vial or 0.5 mL prefilled syringe) once weekly for 48 weeks by subcutaneous administration in the abdomen or thigh.

In one embodiment, viral serine protease inhibitor is a flaviviridae serine protease inhibitor.

In one embodiment, viral polymerase inhibitor is a flaviviridae polymerase inhibitor.

In one embodiment, viral helicase inhibitor is a flaviviridae helicase inhibitor.

In further embodiments:

viral serine protease inhibitor is HCV serine protease inhibitor;

viral polymerase inhibitor is HCV polymerase inhibitor;

viral helicase inhibitor is HCV helicase inhibitor.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to formula (I), (II), (III), or (IV).

In one embodiment, the viral infection is chosen from Flavivirus infections.

In one embodiment, the Flavivirus infection is Hepatitis C virus (HCV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), hog cholera virus, dengue fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus or yellow fever virus.

In one embodiment, the Flaviviridea viral infection is hepatitis C viral infection (HCV).

In one embodiment, the host is human.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the invention described herein, and further comprising administering at least one additional agent.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the invention described herein, and further comprising administering at least one additional agent chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agents, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES).

The combinations referred to above may conveniently be presented for use in the form of a pharmaceutical formulation and thus pharmaceutical formulations comprising a combination as defined above together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefore comprise a further aspect of the invention.

The individual components for use in the method of the present invention or combinations of the present invention may be administered either sequentially or simultaneously in separate or combined pharmaceutical formulations.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to the invention described herein for treating or preventing Flaviviridae viral infection in a host.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to the invention described herein and further comprising at least one additional agent chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agents, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) for treating or preventing Flaviviridae viral infection in a host.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to the invention described herein for the manufacture of a medicament.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to the invention described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a viral Flaviviridae infection in a host.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides the use of a compound according to the invention described herein and further comprising at least one additional agent chosen from viral serine protease inhibitors, viral polymerase inhibitors, viral helicase inhibitors, immunomudulating agents, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, therapeutic vaccines, hepatoprotectant agents, antisense agents, inhibitors of HCV NS2/3 protease and inhibitors of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a viral Flaviviridae infection in a host.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing infection by a HCV virus, comprising contacting a biological sample or administering to a patient in need thereof a compound disclosed herein in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection.

In one embodiment of the method, HCV is of genotype 1. In another embodiment, HCV is of genotype 1a, genotype 1b, or a combination thereof.

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bond isomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. The single optical isomer or enantiomer can be obtained by method well known in the art, such as chiral HPLC, enzymatic resolution and chiral auxiliary.

Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are provided in the form of a single stereoisomer at least 95%, at least 97% and at least 99% free of the corresponding stereoisomers.

In a further embodiment the compound of the present invention are in the form of a single stereoisomer at least 95% free of the corresponding stereoisomers.

In a further embodiment the compound of the present invention are in the form of a single stereoisomer at least 97% free of the corresponding stereoisomers.

In a further embodiment the compound of the present invention are in the form of a single stereoisomer at least 99% free of the corresponding stereoisomers.

There is also provided pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the present invention. By the term pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds are meant those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of suitable acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric, nitric, perchloric, fumaric, maleic, phosphoric, glycollic, lactic, salicylic, succinic, toleune-p-sulphonic, tartaric, acetic, trifluoroacetic, citric, methanesulphonic, formic, benzoic, malonic, naphthalene-2-sulphonic and benzenesulphonic acids. Other acids such as oxalic, while not themselves pharmaceutically acceptable, may be useful as intermediates in obtaining the compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

Salts derived from amino acids are also included (e.g. L-arginine, L-Lysine).

Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metals (e.g. sodium, lithium, potassium) and alkaline earth metals (e.g. calcium, magnesium).

A reference hereinafter to a compound according to the invention includes that compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

With regards to pharmaceutically acceptable salts, see also the list of FDA approved commercially marketed salts listed in Table I of Berge et al., Pharmaceutical Salts, J. of Phar. Sci., vol. 66, no. 1, January 1977, pp. 1-19, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds in accordance with the present invention can exist in different polymorphic forms. As known in the art, polymorphism is an ability of a compound to crystallize as more than one distinct crystalline or “polymorphic” species. A polymorph is a solid crystalline phase of a compound with at least two different arrangements or polymorphic forms of that compound molecule in the solid state. Polymorphic forms of any given compound are defined by the same chemical formula or composition and are as distinct in chemical structure as crystalline structures of two different chemical compounds.

It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds in accordance with the present invention can exist in different solvate forms, for example hydrates. Solvates of the compounds of the invention may also form when solvent molecules are incorporated into the crystalline lattice structure of the compound molecule during the crystallization process.

In addition to the compounds of this invention, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or prodrugs, and esters, of the compounds of this invention may also be employed in compositions to treat or prevent the herein identified disorders. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For purposes of this invention, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75^(th) Ed. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry are described in “Organic Chemistry”, Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito: 1999, and “March's Advanced Organic Chemistry”, 5th Ed., Ed.: Smith, M. B. and March, J., John Wiley Et Sons, New York: 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In the formulas and drawings, a line transversing a ring and bonded to a group such as B, B′, R₁, R₄ or R₄′ in formula (I)

-   -   means that the group can be bonded to any carbon, or if         applicable, heteroatom such as N, of that ring as valency         allows.

The term “alkyl” represents a linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety. The terms “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” represent a linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety which has one or more double bonds or triple bonds in the chain. Examples of alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups include but are not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, neohexyl, allyl, vinyl, acetylenyl, ethylenyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, hexenyl, butadienyl, pentenyl, pentadienyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, heptadienyl, heptatrienyl, octenyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclohexdienyl and cyclohexyl. The terms alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl, also include combinations of linear and branched groups, e.g., cyclopropylmethyl, cyclohexylethyl, etc. The term alkenyl also includes C1 alkenyl where the one carbon atom is attached to the remainder of the molecule via a double bond. Where indicated the “alkyl,” “alkenyl,” and “alkynyl” can be optionally substituted such as in the case of haloalkyls in which one or more hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen, e.g., an alkylhalide. Examples of haloalkyls include but are not limited to trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, dichloromethyl, chloromethyl, trifluoroethyl, difluoroethyl, fluoroethyl, trichloroethyl, dichloroethyl, chloroethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, dichlorofluoroethyl. Aside from halogens, where indicated, the alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups can also be optionally substituted by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The terms “cycloalkyl”, and “cycloalkenyl” represent a cyclic hydrocarbon alkyl or alkenyl, respectively, and are meant to include monocyclic (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl), spiro (e.g., spiro[2.3]hexanyl), fused (e.g., bicyclo[4.4.0]decanyl), and bridged (e.g., bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl)hydrocarbon moieties.

The terms “alkoxy,” “alkenyloxy,” and “alkynyloxy” represent an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl moiety, respectively, which is covalently bonded to the adjacent atom through an oxygen atom. Examples include but are not limited to methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, neopentyloxy, tert-pentyloxy, hexyloxy, isohexyloxy, trifluoromethoxy and neohexyloxy. Like the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups, where indicated the alkoxy, alkenyloxy, and alkynyloxy groups can be optionally substituted by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The term “aryl” represents a carbocyclic moiety containing at least one benzenoid-type ring (i.e., may be monocyclic or polycyclic), and which where indicated may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents. Examples include but are not limited to phenyl, tolyl, dimethylphenyl, aminophenyl, anilinyl, naphthyl, anthryl, phenanthryl or biphenyl. The aryl groups can be optionally substituted where indicated by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The term “aralkyl” represents an aryl group attached to the adjacent atom by an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl. Like the aryl groups, where indicated the aralkyl groups can also be optionally substituted. Examples include but are not limited to benzyl, benzhydryl, trityl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 4-phenylbutyl and naphthylmethyl. Where indicated, the aralkyl groups can be optionally substituted one or more times by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The term “heterocycle” represents a non aromatic, saturated or partially saturated cyclic moiety wherein said cyclic moiety is interrupted by at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen (O), sulfur (S) or nitrogen (N). Heterocycles may be monocyclic or polycyclic rings. Examples include but are not limited to azetidinyl, dioxolanyl, morpholinyl, morpholino, oxetanyl, piperazinyl, piperidyl, piperidinyl, cyclopentapyrazolyl, cyclopentaoxazinyl, cyclopentafuranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, thiazolinyl, oxazolinyl, pyranyl, aziridinyl, azepinyl, dioxazepinyl, diazepinyl, oxyranyl, oxazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, and thiopyranyl, thiolanyl, pyrazolidinyl, dioxanyl, and imidazolidinyl. Where indicated, the heterocyclic groups can be optionally substituted one or more times by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃—R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The term “heterocycle-alkyl” represents a heterocycle group attached to the adjacent atom by an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. It is understood that in, for example, a 4-18 member heterocycle-alkyl moiety, the 4-18 member represent the total of the ring atoms present in the heterocycle moiety and the carbon atoms present in the alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. For example, the following groups are encompassed by a 7 member heterocycle-alkyl (* represents the attachment point):

Where indicated the heterocycle-alkyl groups can be optionally substituted one or more times by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The term “heteroaryl” represents an aromatic cyclic moiety wherein said cyclic moiety is interrupted by at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen (O), sulfur (S) or nitrogen (N). Heteroaryls may be monocyclic or polycyclic rings wherein at least one ring in the polycyclic ring system is aromatic and at least one ring (not necessarily the same ring contains a heteroatom. Examples include but are not limited to dithiadiazinyl, furanyl, isooxazolyl, isothiazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, thiatriazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, tetrazinyl, thiadiazinyl, triazinyl, thiazinyl, furoisoxazolyl, imidazothiazolyl, thienoisothiazolyl, thienothiazolyl, imidazopyrazolyl, pyrrolopyrrolyl, thienothienyl, thiadiazolopyrimidinyl, thiazolothiazinyl, thiazolopyrimidinyl, thiazolopyridinyl, oxazolopyrimidinyl, oxazolopyridyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzodioxolyl, dihydrobenzodioxinyl, benzothiadiazolyl, thienofuranyl, imidazopyrazinyl, purinyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, imidazopyridinyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, benzoxathiolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzodithiolyl, indolizinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, furopyrimidinyl, furopyridyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, thienopyrimidinyl, thienopyridyl, benzothienyl, benzoxazinyl, benzothiazinyl, quinazolinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzopyranyl, pyridopyridazinyl, chromen, benzodiazinyl. Where indicated the heteroaryl groups can be optionally substituted one or more times by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.

The term “heteroaralkyl” represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group attached to the adjacent atom by an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. Where indicated the heteroaralkyl groups can be optionally substituted one or more times by, for example, halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl, wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl. It is understood that in, for example, a 6-18 member heteroaralkyl moiety, the 6-18 member represents the total of the ring atoms present in the heterocycle moiety and the carbon atoms in the alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. For example, the following groups are encompassed by a 7 member heteroaralkyl (* represents the attachment point):

“Halogen atom or halo” is specifically a fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom or iodine atom.

The term “oxo” represents ═O.

A dash (“-”) that is not between two letters or symbols is used to indicate a point of attachment for a substitutent. For example, —CONR_(d)R_(e) is attached through the carbon of the amide.

A dash line (“- - - - -”) is used to indicate the point of attachment for the group. For example, A is attached through the carbon at position 1 and 4 in the following representation:

When there is a sulfur atom present, the sulfur atom can be at different oxidation levels, i.e., S, SO, or SO₂. All such oxidation levels are within the scope of the present invention.

The term “independently” means that a substituent can be the same or a different definition for each item.

In general, the term “substituted,” whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, refers to the replacement of hydrogen radicals on a carbon or nitrogen atom in a given structure with the radical of a specified substituent. Specific substituents are described above in the definitions and below in the description of compounds and examples thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, an optionally substituted group can have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure can be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent can be either the same or different at every position. For example, the language, “which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰” means that when the group is substituted with more than one R¹⁰ group, the R¹⁰ groups can be different from each other. A ring substituent, such as a heterocycle, can be bound to another ring, such as a cycloalkyl, to form a spiro-bicyclic ring system, e.g., both rings share one common atom.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are those combinations that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds. The term “stable”, as used herein, refers to compounds that are not substantially altered when subjected to conditions to allow for their production, detection, and preferably their recovery, purification, and use for one or more of the purposes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature of 40° C. or less, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, for at least a week. When two alkoxy groups are bound to the same atom or adjacent atoms, the two alkoxy groups can form a ring together with the atom(s) to which they are bound.

In certain embodiments, a compound represented by:

also includes where the R group replaces the H on the nitrogen atom.

Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds of this invention, wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced deuterium or tritium, or one or more carbon atoms are replaced by a ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention. Such compounds are useful, for example, as analytical tools, probes in biological assays, or antiviral compounds with improved therapeutic profile.

The terms “host” or “patient” mean human male or female, for example child, adolescent or adult.

It will be appreciated that the amount of a compound of the invention required for use in treatment will vary not only with the particular compound selected but also with the route of administration, the nature of the condition for which treatment is required and the age and condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician or veterinarian. In general however a suitable dose will be in the range of from about 0.1 to about 750 mg/kg of body weight per day, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 60 mg/kg/day, or, for example, in the range of 1 to 20 mg/kg/day.

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided dose administered at appropriate intervals, for example as two, three, four or more doses per day.

The compound is conveniently administered in unit dosage form; for example containing 10 to 1500 mg, conveniently 20 to 1000 mg, most conveniently 50 to 700 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

Ideally the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 1 to about 75 μM, about 2 to 50 μM, about 3 to about 30 μM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injection of a 0.1 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline, or orally administered as a bolus containing about 1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient. Desirable blood levels may be maintained by a continuous infusion to provide about 0.01 to about 5.0 mg/kg/hour or by intermittent infusions containing about 0.4 to about 15 mg/kg of the active ingredient.

When the compounds of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof is used in combination with a second therapeutic agent active against the same virus the dose of each compound may be either the same as or differ from that when the compound is used alone. Appropriate doses will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

While it is possible that, for use in therapy, a compound of the invention may be administered as the raw chemical it is preferable to present the active ingredient as a pharmaceutical composition. The invention thus further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefore and, optionally, other therapeutic and/or prophylactic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Pharmaceutical compositions include those suitable for oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sub-lingual), transdermal, vaginal or parenteral (including intramuscular, sub-cutaneous and intravenous) administration or in a form suitable for administration by inhalation or insufflation. The formulations may, where appropriate, be conveniently presented in discrete dosage units and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. All methods include the step of bringing into association the active compound with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired formulation.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration may conveniently be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solution, a suspension or as an emulsion. The active ingredient may also be presented as a bolus, electuary or paste. Tablets and capsules for oral administration may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, fillers, lubricants, disintegrants, or wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in the art. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), or preservatives.

The compounds according to the invention may also be formulated for parenteral administration (e.g. by injection, for example bolus injection or continuous infusion) and may be presented in unit dose form in ampoules, pre-filled syringes, small volume infusion or in multi-dose containers with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form, obtained by aseptic isolation of sterile solid or by lyophilization from solution, for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g. sterile, pyrogen-free water, before use.

For topical administration to the epidermis, the compounds according to the invention may be formulated as ointments, creams or lotions, or as a transdermal patch. Such transdermal patches may contain penetration enhancers such as linalool, carvacrol, thymol, citral, menthol and t-anethole. Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also contain one or more emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, or colouring agents.

Compositions suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising active ingredient in a flavoured base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for rectal administration wherein the carrier is a solid are for example presented as unit dose suppositories. Suitable carriers include cocoa butter and other materials commonly used in the art, and the suppositories may be conveniently formed by admixture of the active compound with the softened or melted carrier(s) followed by chilling and shaping in moulds.

Compositions suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or sprays containing in addition to the active ingredient such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

For intra-nasal administration the compounds of the invention may be used as a liquid spray or dispersible powder or in the form of drops. Drops may be formulated with an aqueous or non-aqueous base also comprising one more dispersing agents, solubilizing agents or suspending agents. Liquid sprays are conveniently delivered from pressurized packs.

For administration by inhalation the compounds according to the invention are conveniently delivered from an insufflator, nebulizer or a pressurized pack or other convenient means of delivering an aerosol spray. Pressurized packs may comprise a suitable propellant such as dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount.

Alternatively, for administration by inhalation or insufflation, the compounds according to the invention may take the form of a dry powder composition, for example a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch. The powder composition may be presented in unit dosage form in, for example, capsules or cartridges or e.g. gelatin or blister packs from which the powder may be administered with the aid of an inhalator or insufflator.

When desired the above described formulations adapted to give sustained release of the active ingredient may be employed.

The following general schemes and examples are provided to illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and shall not be considered as limiting in scope. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other compounds of the present invention can be obtained by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions used in the following examples.

In the foregoing and in the following examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius; and, unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight.

The following abbreviations may be used as follows:

-   aq aqueous -   conc concentrate -   DCM methylene chloride -   DIPEA Diisopropylethylamine -   DMF dimethylformamide -   DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide -   EtOAc Ethyl acetate -   HATU O-(7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium     hexafluorophosphate -   M molar -   MeOH Methanol -   MTBE methyl ter-butyl ether -   n-BuLi n-butyl lithium -   PdCl₂dppf (1,1′-Bis-(diphenylphosphino)-ferrocene)palladium     (II)dichloride -   Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ trans-dichlorobis(triphenyl phosphine)Palladium (II) -   RT room temperature -   TEA Triethylamine -   THF Tetrahydrofuran

The compounds of this invention may be prepared in light of the specification using steps generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Those compounds may be analyzed by known methods, including but not limited to LCMS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). It should be understood that the specific conditions shown below are only examples, and are not meant to limit the scope of the conditions that can be used for making compounds of this invention. Instead, this invention also includes conditions that would be apparent to those skilled in that art in light of this specification for making the compounds of this invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all variables in the following schemes are as defined herein. General Schemes:

Mass spec. samples were analyzed on a MicroMass Quattro Micro of MicroMass LCZ mass spectrometer operated in single MS mode with electrospray ionization. Samples were introduced into the mass spectrometer using chromatography. Mobile phase for all mass spec. analyses consisted of 10 mM pH 7 ammonium acetate and a 1:1 acetonitrile-methanol mixture. Method A: Column gradient conditions were 5%-100% acetonitrile-methanol over 3.5 mins gradient time and 4.8 mins run time on an ACE5C8 3.0×75 mm column. Flow rate was 1.2 ml/min. Method B: Column gradient were 5%-100% acetonitrile-methanol over 10 mins gradient time and 12 mins run time on a ACE5C8 4.6×150 mm column. Flow rate was 1.5 mL/min. As used herein, the term “Rt(min)” refers to the LCMS retention time, in minutes, associated with the compound. Unless otherwise indicated, the LCMS method utilized to obtain the reported retention time is as detailed above. If the Rt(min) is <5 min method A was used, if the Rt(min) is >5 min then method B was used.

-   -   1H-NMR spectra were recorded at 400 MHz using a Bruker DPX 400         or Varian instrument.

Purification by reverse phase HPLC is carried out under standard conditions using a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column, 21.2 mmID×250 mm, 5 μm, 110 Å. Elution is performed using a linear gradient 20 to 90% (CH₃CN in water or CH₃CN in water with 0.02% HCl) with a flow rate of 5.0 mL/minute.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Compound 2)

To N-diazo-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide (25.72 g, 130.4 mmol) and k2co3 (41.59 g, 300.9 mmol) in acetonitrile (800 mL) was added 1-dimethoxyphosphorylpropan-2-one (21.66 g, 130.4 mmol). After 2 h, add tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-formyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (21.4 g, 100.3 mmol) in methanol (311.6 mL). RT 12 h. Evap. add water (400 ml), extract with ether (3×200 ml), wash with water (2) flash SiO2 with 20% EA to product: 14.7 g 1H NMR

SnCl2 (43.25 g, 228.1 mmol) in conc HCl (122.0 mL) was added to a soln of 4-bromo-1-iodo-2-nitro-benzene (20 g, 60.99 mmol) in EtOH (122.0 mL) at −10 deg C. The r×n was then heated to 60 degC for 15 min, made basic with solid KOH, and extracted with CHCl3., after adding water to help dissolve solids in the mix. Dried orgs over Na2SO4, filtered, conc. Low viscosity oil. Injected onto a 330 g ISCO column with DCM, and eluted with 5-10% EA/Hexanes. Conc desired fractions 17.67 g after column M+H=299.89

To a N2 bubbled solution of 5-bromo-2-iodo-aniline (18.57 g, 62.33 mmol), tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-ethynyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (14.6 g, 69.76 mmol) and cuprous iodide (1.365 g, 242.5 μL, 7.167 mmol) in THF (392.0 mL) was added 13965-03-2 (5.0 g, 7.124 mmol) and TEA (18.92 g, 26.06 mL, 187.0 mmol). RT 3 h, product as major peak by LC-MS. Absorbed on silica, big column with 10-20% EA in hexane to pure product: 22.26 g 1H NMR

To tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-[2-(2-amino-4-bromo-phenyl)ethynyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (22.26 g, 58.69 mmol) in NMP (224.8 mL) was added potassium 2-methylpropan-2-olate (19.76 g, 21.91 mL, 176.1 mmol). The flask became warm. RT, 4 h, TLC: done. 1:1 mixture. Less polar. Add water (400 ml), extract with ether (200 ml) and EA (2X×200 ml). Wash with water (2) Absorbed on SiO2, quick column purification to 1:1 mixture: 17.85 g NMR

tert-butyl (2R,4S)-2-(6-bromo-1H-indol-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (2.5 g, 6.459 mmol) stirred in DCM (6.459 mL). Added TFA (6.459 mL) and stirred dark colored solution for 1 hour. Conc. Pumped on high vacuum for 5 hours. Used as is. M+H=279.18

6-bromo-2-[(4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-1H-indole (2.59 g, 6.587 mmol) and DIEA (9.1 mL, 52.24 mmol) stirred in DMF (13.17 mL). Added (2S)-2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3-methyl-butanoic acid (2.54 g, 14.50 mmol) and HATU (5.11 g, 13.44 mmol) and stirred ON at RT. Added EA and washed with water, 2×, then brine. Dried over Na2SO4, filtered, conc. Dissolved in DCM and loaded onto a 120 g ISCO column, eluting with 10-70% EA/Hexanes. Collected desired fractions and conc. Two desired diastereomers separated by SFC chromatography. 900 mg of each diastereomer, M+H=438.21, 1H NMR

methyl N-[(1S)-1-[(2S,4S)-2-(6-bromo-1H-indol-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]-2-methyl-propyl]carbamate (100 mg, 0.2292 mmol), methyl N-[(1S)-2-methyl-1-[(2S,4S)-4-methyl-2-[5-[4-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]propyl]carbamate (148 mg, 0.2521 mmol), NaHCO3 (1.146 mL of 1 M, 1.146 mmol) and 3-(2-dicyclohexylphosphanylphenyl)-2,4-dimethoxy-benzenesulfonic acid (11.24 mg, 0.02292 mmol) stirred in IPA (3.000 mL). Degassed with N2, added diacetoxypalladium (2.573 mg, 0.01146 mmol) and stirred at 100 deg C. for 1 hour. Added water and EtOAc, separated, organics is dried over Na2SO4, filtered, conc. Filtered, dissolved MeOH and purified via prep HPLC. Collected desired fractions, added brine and EA, dried EA with Na2SO4, filtered, conc. 26.5 mg M+H=817.12, 1H NMR

Example 2 Compound 16

tert-Butyl (2S,4S)-2-(6-bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate

Step I tert-Butyl (2S,4S)-2-[(2-amino-5-bromo-3-pyridyl)carbamoyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate

To a stirred solution of 5-bromopyridine-2,3-diamine (811.6 mg, 4.18 mmol) and (2S,4S)-1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (800 mg, 3.48 mmol) in DMF (12.00 mL) is added 2,4,6-collidine (1.384 mL, 10.47 mmol). The reaction mixture is cooled to 0° C. before the addition of HATU (1.59 g, 4.18 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature overnight, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The Combined extracts are washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated. The residue is purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc in Hexanes as eluent (10 to 100%) to afford tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-[(2-amino-5-bromo-3-pyridyl)carbamoyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (1.28 g, 91.9%) as a pale yellow foam.

LC/MS: m/z=400.7 (M+H⁺)

Step II 1-[(4S)-2-(6-Bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl]ethanone

A solution of tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-[(2-amino-5-bromo-3-pyridyl)carbamoyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (1.28 g, 3.20 mmol) in AcOH (7.2 mL, 128.2 mmol) is heated at 110° C. overnight. The reaction mixture is concentrated, diluted with dichloromethane (+5% MeOH), washed with a sat NaHCO₃ solution then brine. The organic phase is dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford 1-[(4S)-2-(6-bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl]ethanone (380 mg, 1.176 mmol) (770 mg) as a mixture of diastereoisomers.

LC/MS: m/z=324.6 (M+H⁺)

Step III 6-Bromo-2-[(4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (Hydrochloric Acid)

1-[(4S)-2-(6-Bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl]ethanone (380 mg, 1.17 mmol) in aq HCl (5.18 mL of 6 M, 31 mmol) is heated at 100° C. for 2 h. The reaction mixture is concentrated, co-evaporated with toluene, dried and used for the next step without any further purification.

LC/MS: m/z=282.7 (M+H⁺)

Step IV tert-Butyl (2S,4S)-2-(6-bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of 6-bromo-2-[(4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (hydrochloric acid) (380 mg, 1.07 mmol) in dichloromethane (5.2 mL) is added TEA (299.2 μL, 2.14 mmol), DMAP (6.5 mg, 0.053 mmol) followed by di-tert-butyldicarbonate (246 mg, 1.127 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred at RT overnight, washed with 1N HCl, brine and concentrated. The residue is purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel using EtOAc in Hexanes as eluent (10 to 100%) to afford tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-(6-bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (80 mg) as a beige foam.

LC/MS: m/z=382.7 (M+H⁺)

Methyl N-[(1S)-1-[(2S,4S)-2-[4-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-1-[(2S)-2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3-methyl-butanoyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-6-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]-2-methyl-propyl]carbamate

Step I tert-Butyl (2S,4S)-2-[4-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-6-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate

To a mixture of tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-(6-bromo-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (80 mg, 0.20 mmol), tert-butyl (2S,4S)-4-methyl-2-[4-[4-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (111.1 mg, 0.20 mmol) and Pd(DPPF)(Cl)₂. dichloromethane (17.13 mg, 0.020 mmol) in ^(i)PrOH (1.23 mL) is added NaHCO₃ (1.04 mL of 1 M, 1.04 mmol). The reaction mixture is purged with N₂ and heated at 80° C. overnight. The reaction mixture is diluted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O, brine and concentrated. The residue is purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel using MeOH in dichloromethane as eluent (2% to 30%) to afford tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-[4-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-6-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (68 mg, 46.04%) as a pale yellow residue.

LC/MS: m/z=704.6 (M+H⁺)

Step II 2-[(2S,4S)-4-Methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-6-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (Hydrochloric Acid)

To a solution of tert-butyl (2S,4S)-2-[4-[4-[4-[2-[(2R,45)-1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-6-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (68 mg, 0.096 mmol) in MeOH (701 μL) is added hydrochloric acid (483.0 μL of 4 M in dioxane, 1.93 mmol). The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 5 h, concentrated, co-evaporated with toluene and dried to afford 2-[(2S,4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-6-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (Hydrochloric Acid) as a yellow residue.

LC/MS: m/z=504.2 (M+H⁺)

Step III Methyl N-[(1S)-1-[(2S,4S)-2-[4-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-1-[(2S)-2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3-methyl-butanoyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-6-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]-2-methyl-propyl]carbamate

To a mixture of 2-[(2S,4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-6-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-4-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (Hydrochloric Acid) (55.7 mg, 0.096 mmol), (25)-2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3-methyl-butanoic acid (35.54 mg, 0.202 mmol), and 2,4,6-collidine (76.61 μL, 0.5797 mmol) in DMF (835 μL) is added HATU (77.15 mg, 0.20 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at RT overnight, diluted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O, brine and concentrated. The residue is purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel using MeOH in dichloromethane as eluent (1 to 30%) then repurified by reverse phase preparative HPLC to obtain methyl N-[(1S)-1-[(2S,4S)-2-[4-[4-[4-[2-[(2S,4S)-1-[(2S)-2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3-methyl-butanoyl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-6-yl]phenyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]-2-methyl-propyl]carbamate (29.7 mg, 36.1%) as a white fluffy powder.

LC/MS: m/z=818.6 (M+H⁺)

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.76-7.67 (m, 8H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 5.15 (m, 1H), 5.07 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.29-4.19 (m, 3H), 3.63 (s, 6H), 3.47-3.37 (m, 2H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.50 (m, 2H), 2.38 (m, 1H), 2.0-1.85 (m, 4H), 1.2 (m, 3H), 0.92 (m, 3H), 0.85 (m, 12H).

Compounds 1, 3-15, and 17

Compounds 1, 3-15, and 17 as disclosed in Table 1 were prepared according to the procedures outlined in Examples 1 and 2 using the appropriate intermediate starting materials.

Example 3 Activity Determination Using the ELISA and the Sub-Genomic Replicon 1a Cell Line

The cell line W11.8 containing the sub-genomic HCV replicon of genotype 1a is used to determine the potency of the drugs. The RNA replication in presence of different drug concentrations is indirectly measured in this cell line by the level of NS5A protein content upon drug treatment for four days. It is shown that the level of the NS5A protein correlates well with the level of HCV RNA in the replicon cell line. Cells are split twice a week in order to keep the confluence state below 85% of the culture flask surface area. The culture media used for cell passaging consists of DMEM-10% foetal bovine serum with 100 UI/mL penicillin, 100 μg/mL streptomycin, 2 mM glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, non-essential amino acids (1×) and 600 μg/mL of G418 final concentrations. Monolayer of the W11.8 cells is trypsinized and cells are counted. Cells are diluted at 50,000 cells/mL with complete DMEM without G418, then approximately 5,000 viable cells (100 μL) are plated per well in a white opaque 96-well microtiter plate. After an incubation period of 2-4 hours at 37° C. in a 5% CO2 incubator, compounds are added at various concentrations. Drugs are resuspended in DMSO at a stock concentration of 10 mM. Then, drugs are serially diluted at twice the final concentration in the same medium. One volume (100 μL) of each drug dilution is then added to each well that contains cells. A control compound is used as an internal standard for each plate assay. Sixteen wells are used as control (0% inhibition) without drug. Eight wells are used as background control (100% inhibition) containing 2 μM (final concentration) of the control drug that was shown to inhibit the NS5A expression at ≈100% and is nontoxic to the cells. Values from 100% inhibited wells were averaged and used as the background value. Cells are further incubated for four days at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Following the incubation time of four days, the media is removed and wells are washed once with 150 μL of PBS at room temperature for five minutes. Cells are then fixed for five minutes using 150 μL per well of cold (−20° C.) fixative solution (50% methanol/50% acetone mix). Cells are then washed twice with 150 μL of PBS (phosphate buffered saline) per well, following the addition of 150 μL of blocking solution, cells are incubated for one hour at 37° C. to block non-specific sites. The blocking solution is removed and cells are washed twice with 150 μL of PBS per well and once with 150 μL of PBSTS solution (PBS/0.1% Triton X-100/0.02% SDS) per well. Then, 50 μL of mouse monoclonal anti-NS5A antibody (Santa Cruz, Cat. No. sc-52417) is added in each well, diluted 1/1,000 in the blocking solution and incubated at 4° C. overnight. Next day, media is removed and plates are washed five times with 150 μL of PBS per well with five-minute incubations at room temperature. Then 50 μL per well of peroxidase-conjugated donkey anti-mouse antibody (Jackson Immunoresearch, Cat. No. 715-036-150) diluted 1/10,000 in the blocking solution is added and incubated at room temperature for three hours on a shaker (500 rpm). Plates are washed four times with 150 μL of PBSTS solution per well and once with 150 μL of PBS. Then, substrate solution (100 μl, SuperSignal ELISA Pico Chemiluminescent Substrate, Fisher Cat. No. 37069) is added in each well and plates are incubated 60 minutes at room temperature prior to reading the luminescence (relative light units) on the Analyst HT plate reader. The percentage of inhibition at each drug concentration tested (in duplicate) is calculated. The concentration required to reduce viral replication by 50% (IC₅₀) is then determined from dose response curves using nonlinear regression analysis with the GraphPad Prism software, version 2.0 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, Calif., USA).

Example 4 Cell-Based Luciferase Reporter HCV (Ib) RNA Replication Assay Cell Culture

Replicon cell lines Huh-5.2 are derived from the Huh-7 hepatocarcinoma cell line are maintained in culture as generally described in Krieger, N; Lohmann, V; Bartenschlager, R. Enhancement of hepatitis C virus RNA replication by cell culture-adaptive mutations. J. Virol. 2001, 75, 4614-4624. The Huh-5.2 cells contain the highly cell culture-adapted replicon I₃₈₉luc-ubi-neo/NS3-3′/5.1 construct that carries, in addition to the neomycin gene, an integrated copy to the firefly luciferase gene (Krieger, N; Lohmann, V; Bartenschlager, R. Enhancement of hepatitis C virus RNA replication by cell culture-adaptive mutations. J. Virol. 2001, 75, 4614-4624). This cell line allows measurement of HCV RNA replication and translation by measuring luciferase activity. It has been previously shown that the luciferase activity tightly follows the replicon RNA level in these cells (Krieger, N; Lohmann, V; Bartenschlager, R. Enhancement of hepatitis C virus RNA replication by cell culture-adaptive mutations. J. Virol. 2001, 75, 4614-4624). The Huh-ET cell line has the same features as those mentioned for Huh-5.2 cell line, except that ET cells are more robust and contain an adaptative mutation in the HCV NS4B gene instead of NS5A. Both cell lines are maintained in cultures at a sub-confluent level (<85%) as the level of replicon RNA is highest in actively proliferating cells. The culture media used for cell passaging consist of DMEM (Gibco BRL Laboratories, Mississauga, ON, Canada) supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum with 1% penicilin/streptomycin, 1% glutamine, 1% sodium pyruvate, 1% non-essential amino acids, and 180 μg/ml of G418 final concentration. Cells are incubated at 37° C., in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ and passaged twice a week to maintain sub-confluence.

Approximately 3000 viable Huh-ET cells (100 μl) are plated per well in a white opaque 96-well microtiter plate. The cell culture media used for the assay is the same as described above except that it contains no G418 and no phenol red. After an incubation period of 3-4 hours at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ incubator, compounds (100 μl) are added at various concentrations. Cells are then further incubated for 4 days at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Thereafter, the culture media is removed and cells are lysed by the addition of 95 μL of the luciferase buffer (luciferin substrate in buffered detergent). Cell lysates are incubated at room temperature and protected from direct light for at least 10 minutes. Plates are read for luciferase counts using a luminometer (Wallac MicroBeta Trilux, Perkin Elmer™, MA, USA).

The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀s) for inhibitory effect are determined from dose response curves using eleven concentrations per compound in duplicate. Curves are fitted to data points using nonlinear regression analysis, and IC₅₀s are interpolated from the resulting curve using GraphPad Prism software, version 2.0 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, Calif., USA).

HCV 1a and 1b are the two most prevalent HCV genotypes and the most difficult to treat. It has proven problematic in the past to find compounds having good activity against both genotypes. However, the compounds of the present invention, particularly those with a 4-methylpyrrolidine group, are active against both HCV 1a and 1b genotypes.

Table 2 shows compounds representative of the present invention

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

uM: +++<=0.005<++<=5.0<+

TABLE 2 M + 1 RT EC50_1b # (obs) (min) 1H-NMR (uM) 1 818.71 2.73 +++ 2 817.59 2.19 +++ 3 835.15 2.12 +++ 4 818.46 9.08 +++ 5 816.52 3.43 +++ 6 818.46 8.93 +++ 7 818.76 3 H NMR (300.0 MHz, Acetone) d 11.05 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.29 (m, 12H), 6.36 (s, 1H), 6.21 (s, 1H), 5.11 (s, 2H), 4.38-4.12 (m, 4H), 3.61 (s, 6H), 3.42 (t, J = 9.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.22-3.15 (m, 1H), 2.73-2.35 (m,7H), 1.98 (s, 1H), 1.21-1.17 (m, 6H), 1.05 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.93 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 3H) and 0.85 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 6H) ppm 15  804.5 [1] +++ 16 818.68 [1] +++ 17 818.68 [1] +++

Table 3 shows comparative data for exemplary compounds of formula (I). Data shows IC₅₀ values against the sub-genomic replicon 1a and 1b cell lines.

TABLE 3 IC₅₀ IC₅₀ (nM) (nM) Entry Comp. Structure (1a) (1b) 1 16

0.01  0.01 2  4

0.025 0.07 

1. A compound of formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each A is independently C₆₋₁₄ aryl, 4-12 membered heterocycle, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; B and B′ are each independently absent, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl; C and C′ are each independently a 4-7 membered heterocycle; D is a 5,6 membered heterocyclic ring comprising at least one nitrogen atom in the five membered ring, wherein the point of attachment to B is on the six membered ring, wherein D is not benzimidazole; R₁ is halogen, —OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₆ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, or any two occurrences of R₁ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a 5-7 cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹ or a 5-7 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²; R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; R_(2′) is halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; each R₂ is independently halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, 5-12 membered heterocycle, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; R₃ and R₃′ are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl; R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, wherein two occurrence of R₄′ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, X and Y are each independently

 or a bond; wherein the asterisk (*) indicates the point of attachment to the nitrogen of ring C or C′; R₅ and R₅′ are each independently H, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₆₋₁₄ aryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, C₂₋₁₆ aralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-12 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-12 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²; R₆ is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, or halogenated C₁₋₆ alkyl; m and n are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 and m and n combined are 1, 2, 3 or 4; p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; q is 0, 1 or 2; u is 0 or 1; s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR₄C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b); R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; and R¹² is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl.
 2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula (IA):

wherein X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—, each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—; each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—; and v is 0 or
 1. 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula (IIIA):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein m and n combined are 1, 2, 3, or
 4. 5. The compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula (IIIB):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein m and n combined are 1, 2, 3, or
 4. 6. The compound according to claim 1, wherein each A is independently cyclopropyl, cyclohexyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperazinyl, piperadinyl, phenyl, naphthalenyl, thienyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzodioxolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, dihydrobenzodioxine, thienofuranyl, thienothienyl, thienopyrrolyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, or triazolyl; and wherein each A is independently substituted with (R₁)_(p). 7.-12. (canceled)
 13. The compound according to claim 1, wherein B and B′ are independently absent, C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₂₋₆ alkynyl. 14.-16. (canceled)
 17. The compound according to claim 1, wherein

is selected from the group consisting of:

18.-23. (canceled)
 24. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is halogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxyl, cyano, or C₁₋₃ alkoxy.
 25. (canceled)
 26. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₂′ is methyl, trifluoromethyl, iodo, CH₂OH, or NHC(O)CH₃.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The compound according to claim 1, wherein each R₂ is independently fluoro or methyl.
 29. (canceled)
 30. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₃ and R₃′ are H or methyl.
 31. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, di-fluoromethyl, di-fluoroethyl, trifluoromethyl, tri-fluoroethyl, —CH₂OH, —NR_(a)N_(b), t-butoxy-, or hydroxyl; or two R₄ groups together with the atoms to which they are attached form

or two R₄′ groups together with the atoms to which they are attached form

32.-35. (canceled)
 36. The compound according to claim 1,


37. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R₅ and R₅′ are each independently, C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, C₇₋₈ aralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-8 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-8 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹². 38.-42. (canceled)
 43. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl. 44.-48. (canceled)
 49. The compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula (II):

wherein D is selected from the group consisting of:


50. The compound according to claim 49, wherein said compound is of formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²; R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; and m and n combined are 1, 2, 3 or
 4. 51.-56. (canceled)
 57. The compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is of formula (V):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 58. A compound of formula (VIA):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—; each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—; each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—; v is 0 or 1; R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; R_(2′) is halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; each R₂ is independently halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, 5-12 membered heterocycle, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; R₃ and R₃′ are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl; R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, wherein two occurrence of R₄′ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, u is 0 or 1; s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²; R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b); R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; and m and n are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 and m and n combined are 1, 2, 3 or
 4. 59. The compound of claim 58, represented by formula (VIB):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein m and n are each independently 0 or 1 and m and n combined are 1 or
 2. 60. A compound of formula (VITA):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein X′ is —N—, —O—, —S—, or —CH—; each Y′ is independently —N— or —C—; each Z′ is independently —N— or —C—; v is 0 or 1; R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; R_(2′) is halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; each R₂ is independently halogen, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, —OR_(a), —C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), C₆₋₁₂ aryl, 5-12 membered heterocycle, or 5-12 membered heteroaryl; R₃ and R₃′ are each independently H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or C₂₋₆ alkynyl; R₄ and R₄′ are each independently halogen, —NR_(a)R_(b), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —(CH₂)₁₋₆OH, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ halogenated alkyl, hydroxyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, or C₁₋₆ alkoxy; wherein two occurrence of R₄ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, wherein two occurrence of R₄′ can be taken together with the atoms to which they are attached to form a C₂₋₆ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, u is 0 or 1; s is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; R₇ and R₇′ are each independently C₁₋₈ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, C₂₋₈ alkynyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹⁰, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, benzyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 5-6 membered heteroaryl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 6-7 membered heteroaralkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹¹, 3-6 membered heterocycle which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹², or 4-7 membered heterocycle-alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R¹²; R₈ and R₈′ are each independently —NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), or —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), wherein R_(a)-R_(d) are each independently H, C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₇₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; R¹⁰ is halogen, —OR_(a), oxo, —NR_(a)R_(b), ═NO—R_(c), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b); R¹¹ is halogen, —OR_(a), NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OR_(a), —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —C(═O)OH, —C(═O)R_(a), —C(═NOR_(c))R_(a), —C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(d)C(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)R_(a), —NR_(d)C(═NR_(c))NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)C(═O)OR_(a), —OC(═O)NR_(a)R_(b), —OC(═O)R_(a), —OC(═O)OR_(a), hydroxyl, nitro, azido, cyano, —S(O)₀₋₃R_(a), —SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(b)SO₂R_(a), —NR_(b)SO₂NR_(a)R_(b), or —P(═O)OR_(a)OR_(b), C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl, C₆₋₁₂ aryl, C₂₋₁₆ aralkyl, 5-12 membered heteroaryl, 6-18 membered heteroaralkyl, 3-12 membered heterocycle, or 4-18 membered heterocycle-alkyl; and m and n are each independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 and m and n combined are 1, 2, 3 or
 4. 61. The compound of claim 58, represented by formula (VIIB):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein m and n are each independently 0 or 1 and m and n combined are 1 or
 2. 62.-72. (canceled)
 73. The compound selected from Table 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 74. (canceled)
 75. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to any one of claim 1 and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.
 76. A method of treating or preventing infection by a HCV virus, comprising contacting a biological sample or administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of any one of claim 1 in an amount effective to treat or prevent the infection. 77.-78. (canceled) 